KENOJUAK ASHEVAK, C.C., R.C.A. (1927-2013) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
Untitled Drawing (Tattooed Face), 1994-5
coloured pencil drawing, 20.5 x 23.75 in (52.1 x 60.3 cm)
signed, "ᑭᓄᐊᔪᐊ".

Provenance
Private Collection, USA.

In this drawing, the heavily tattooed woman’s face very closely resembles that of the previous lot, Tattooed Sun, and the overall circular composition is strikingly similar. The two images no doubt were designed within a year of each other, as Kenojuak liked to draw subjects and themes in series. However, we are uncertain as to whether Kenojuak would have assigned the same title or meaning to the two works. Here the woman’s face is more dominant yet enclosed in a deep green orb. Furthermore, the radiating forms resemble fronds more than they do flames. The overall impression conveyed is one of comforting, luxuriant growth rather than heat - and, as with Tattooed Sun, the power of the feminine. If the large, traditional Inuit skin drums had ever been meant to be decorated, this fabulous image would have been perfectly suited.

References: For contemporaneous drawings, see Anna Hudson, Jocelyn Piirainen, & Georgiana Uhlyarik, Tunirrusiangit: Kenojuak Ashevak and Tim Pitsiulak, exh. cat., (Toronto: Art Gallery of Ontario, 2018), no cat. no., pp. 59, 82, & 85. For other works by the artist that feature the tattooed face motif, see the important print The Woman Who Lives in the Sun of 1960 (see First Arts, Toronto, 28 May 2019, Lot 15), as well as Taliillajuuqpaujaaluk (Great Big Sedna), 2001, and, of course, the preceding lot 83, Tattooed Sun / Tatooed Sun, 1994.